John N. A. Griswold House facts for kids
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John N. A. Griswold House
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in Rhode Island
Location in the United States
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| Location | 76 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI |
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| Area | 2.41 acres (0.98 ha) |
| Built | 1864 |
| Architect | Richard Morris Hunt |
| Architectural style | American Stick Style |
| Part of | Kay Street-Catherine Street-Old Beach Road Historic District (ID73000052) |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000023 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | November 5, 1971 |
| Designated NHL | May 16, 2000 |
| Designated CP | May 22, 1973 |
The John N. A. Griswold House is a very old and important house in Newport, Rhode Island. It was built in 1864 for a rich merchant named John Noble Alsop Griswold. He was part of the famous Griswold Family and worked in the Old China Trade.
A famous architect, Richard Morris Hunt, designed this house. It's a great example of the American Stick style of architecture. In fact, it's one of the first buildings ever made in this style. It was also one of Hunt's first projects in Newport.
This special house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. Later, in 2000, it was named a National Historic Landmark. Today, it's one of the galleries for the Newport Art Museum. It's also part of a project called Save America’s Treasures, which helps protect important historical sites.
Contents
What Does the Griswold House Look Like?
The Griswold House is a large, two-and-a-half-story building made of wood. It sits on a strong granite base. The land around the house was designed in the early 1800s by the Olmsted Brothers. They were famous for creating beautiful landscapes.
Unique Roof and Exterior Details
The house has a very interesting roof with many different sections. The main part of the roof is mansard-shaped. It has lots of gables and dormer windows sticking out. The roof is covered with colorful slate tiles arranged in patterns. Fancy chimneys with concrete tops and decorations also stand out.
You'll see many balconies with deep roofs that stick out. The ends of the gables are decorated with special wooden designs. These show off the "Stick style" of the house. A large porch wraps around the south and west sides. On the north side, there's a fancy covered entrance for carriages.
Inside the Griswold House: A Look Inside
The special wooden designs you see outside continue inside the house. The main rooms are full of detailed woodwork. They are also richly decorated. Many rooms have unique shapes, like the main hall, dining room, and library. These rooms are partly or completely octagonal.
The main hall has a very fancy staircase. At the bottom of the stairs, there's a carved statue of a griffin. It looks like it's guarding the house.
Who Built the Griswold House and Why Is It Important?
The house was designed by Richard Morris Hunt and finished in 1864. It was built for John Noble Alsop Griswold. He was a successful merchant who traded goods with China.
Richard Morris Hunt's First Newport Project
This house was the first of many important buildings Hunt designed in Newport. It's seen as a very early example of the Stick style of architecture. This style uses exposed wooden "sticks" or beams as part of the design.
Griswold lived in the house until he passed away in 1909. The house was empty until 1915. That's when the Art Association of Newport bought it. This association is one of the oldest art groups in the United States. They still use the house today as a museum gallery.
Why the Griswold House is a National Treasure
The Griswold House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. It became a National Historic Landmark in 2000. This is because of its amazing architecture. It's also important because of its connection to the Art Association of Newport.
Images for kids
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An 1862 sketch of the house's side view.
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The west (front) side of the house.
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A drawing showing the first floor layout and the property.
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A view of the library room from the east side.
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See also
